We are currently looking for three enthusiastic individuals who want to make a difference in our community to join our Board of Directors. Nominations for these positions will occur in May at our Annual General Meeting.
About Us
We are building a community that shares responsibility for social good.
United Way Guelph Wellington Dufferin brings people and resources together through our collaborative networks to monitor and identify pressing social issues. Then, with the support of our donors, we invest in existing community programs and mobilize new collective approaches to create lasting positive change in the most effective way possible.
Making real and lasting change requires the contributions, expertise, and commitment of everyone in our community – including our Board of Directors. We know that the social issues facing our community are challenging. We also know that the ways that people want to connect to make a difference in their community are changing. Working on our Board of Directors, you will help us adapt to meet these needs as we elevate our role as a catalyst for change in Guelph, Wellington and Dufferin.
How You Can Make an Impact
Our communities have experienced hardship and isolation through a prolonged pandemic, an unignorable deepening of preexisting needs and inequities, and a groundswell of interest from individuals and organizations who want to directly contribute to make a difference. These are rare circumstances that both necessitate, and make possible, once in a generation change.
By joining our Board of Directors, you will be part of an organization who is uniquely able to focus and unite people and resources to improve lives and build community by building impact in these five areas:
- Resilience in children and youth through emotional wellbeing, because we know that helping to prevent and mitigate adverse childhood experiences is both urgent and foundational to lifelong potential;
- Belonging, inclusion, and connection to supports in community, because we know that isolation, mental health, and informal and formal supports are critical issues coming out of the pandemic;
- Dedicated investment for equity-seeking and rights-seeking groups, because we know that real, tangible barriers to resources and belonging in our communities persist;
- Aligned collaborative supports for food, housing, and financial security, because we know individuals and families need comprehensive opportunities to stabilize, recover, and build their futures; and
- Focused investment and presence in rural communities, responsive to their unique needs.
How You Can Help Us
We are committed to ensuring representation on our Board of Directors that is consistent with the communities we serve. Based on the current Board composition in terms of skills, expertise, demographics and lived experience, we welcome a wider range of perspectives to ensure a more diverse set of voices at our table. Although applications are accepted from all interested individuals, we particularly welcome applications from individuals who bring any of the following perspectives to their work:
- Individuals between 18 – 40 years of age
- Black or racialized individuals
- First Nations, Metis or Inuit peoples
- Individuals who identify as 2SLGBTQ+
- Women (including cis, trans, non-binary intersex), non-binary or gender diverse
- Individuals with a lived or shared experience with homelessness
- People living and/or working in Wellington & Dufferin County
- Skills / experience in financial management and risk management
Individuals without board experience are welcome to apply. Training and mentorship is available.
Please note that employees or Board Directors of organizations who currently receive United Way funding are not eligible to apply due to a potential conflict of interest.
Board of Directors Position
Responsibilities
The Board of Directors has a governance mandate and is responsible for ensuring United Way’s mission and strategic plan are achieved. The board is committed to fostering an equitable and inclusive atmosphere in which every board member’s perspective is welcomed, respected and valued.
Board members are responsible for:
- Providing strategic leadership to United Way, including but not limited to:
- Establishing the long-term direction and vision,
- Monitoring and evaluating the implementation of the strategic plan,
- Ensuring action is taken on our commitment to build a more equitable future and a community where everyone can thrive.
- Overseeing the financial health of the organization, and
- Providing business and personal insights to inform major organizational decisions.
- Acting as a positive and passionate ambassador for United Way both in the board room and out in the community.
- Keeping informed about the organization, its issues, and its connection to the community through active participation.
- Supporting activities within the annual fundraising strategy, as appropriate, and making an annual personal financial contribution at a level commensurate with your financial means.
- It is expected that all Directors will champion anti-racism/anti-oppression, diversity, equity and inclusion and apply this lens to their work.
Time Commitment
Board members hold a two-year term, renewable up to four times. During that term, board members are expected to:
- Attend monthly board meetings. Meetings take place on the fourth Thursday of the month at 6 pm. Currently board meetings are virtual but once it is safe to do so, meetings will be held in person but the option to participate virtually.
- Participate on one United Way committee (Finance, Audit & Risk, Human Resources, Governance and the Community Impact Committee). Between Board meetings, members are asked to actively work on their committee projects to ensure activities proceed according to schedules.
- Attend United Way special events and fundraisers and represent United Way at community events.
- Total time commitment of approximately 4-6 hours a month plus meeting preparation time.
How to Apply
If you are interested in applying to be become a Board or committee member, please fill out an application form and send a copy of your resume (if you have one) to info@unitedwayguelph.com by February 27, 2023. Your application will be reviewed by our Governance Committee, and we will be in touch with next steps.